The Russian and Ukrainian state-controlled gas monopolies will establish new JVs to exploit coal field gas reserves in Ukraine and off-shore gas in the Black Sea — a move that could provide greater diversity of gas supplies to European markets. In recent years, clashes between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukrainy led to disruptions in supply via Ukraine to the Czech Republic and other EU member states.

ČD Cargo is preparing for a merger with Europe’s second-largest rail freight company, PKP Cargo, after the Czech and Polish prime ministers discussed potential cooperation between the state-controlled firms at a Nov. 4 meeting in Warsaw. If the merger goes ahead as expected, Deutsche Bahn, the largest rail freight operator on the Czech market, will face a serious new competitor.

With experience from the UK, Germany and the CEE region, Maudling has successfully established and sold his own real estate company and headed Invesco Real Estate’s Central and Eastern European operation.